Space4Ocean Alliance
Objectives
UNOOSA supports the creation and operationalisation of the Space4Ocean Alliance - an international consultation mechanism for expert-level and high-level exchanges that connects the space sector and the marine, maritime stakeholders, to leverage the full potential of space data for the preservation, conservation and protection of the ocean.
Initially proposed by the French Space Agency (CNES), the Space4Ocean Alliance aims to:
- Connect the space sector, marine, maritime and other relevant stakeholders,
- Better respond to needs and priorities for an improved management of the ocean and coastal areas;
- Advocate for implementation of innovative space missions to fill observation gaps;
- Share good practices, promote access to ocean observations (e.g. satellite or in-situ data, models and their joint use), propose proven operational applications and strengthen the underpinning ocean science for the development of tailored services;
- Develop capacity building actions and training initiatives for the benefit of ocean stakeholders both in terms of data access and operational services, especially in frontline countries such as the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS);
- Inform the state and health of the marine environment through the development of local and global ocean indicators to be considered by appropriate organizations and to be used by decision makers.
As a founding member of this initiative, UNOOSA has been working since December 2024 with the French Space Agency (CNES), the Maldives Space Research Organization (MSRO), the Space Office of the Principality of Monaco, the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (UNESCO/IOC) to define the objectives and mandate of the Space4Ocean Alliance according to the needs of those who need it the most, particularly frontline countries.
Grounded in science and leveraging space data, in-situ measurements, and advanced digital models, the Alliance will address critical ocean and coastal challenges, directly contributing to SDG 14, and supporting the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Official launch
The Space4Ocean Alliance was officially launched at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in June 2025 during a dedicated side event organized by UNOOSA. This high-level side event gathered signatory ministers and heads of space agencies and culminated in the official handover of the signed Declaration of Interest to M. Peter Thomson, UN Secretary General's Special Envoy for Ocean, which sealed the official kick-off of the Alliance. Read more
Members
So far, 30 entities have signed the Declaration of Interest and joined the Alliance:
| Blue Justice |
| Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) |
| Canadian Space Agency (CSA) |
| Chinese Space Agency (CNSA) |
| European Space Agency (ESA) |
| Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split |
| French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) |
| French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) |
| French Space Agency (CNES) |
| Gabonese Agency for Space Studies and Observations (AGEOS) |
| Hellenic Space Center (HSC) |
| IFREMER |
| Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI) |
| Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC/UNESCO) |
| International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) |
| Italian Space Agency (ASI) |
| Kenya Space Agency (KSA) |
| Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO) |
| Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM) |
| Mercator Ocean |
| National Space Activities Commission of Argentina (CONAE) |
| Norway Space Agency (NOSA) |
| Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Coalition for Cities and Regions |
| Philippines Space Agency |
| Portugal Space Agency (PSA) |
| Research and Study Center of Djibouti (CERD) |
| Senegalese Space Study Agency (ASES) |
| UK Space Agency (UKSA) |
| UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) |
| Space Office of the Principality of Monaco |
Engaging with the Alliance
The Alliance designed a form for any space and marine entities to express their interest in engaging the Alliance. The questionnaire will gather information on:
- Key ocean challenges faced by entities
- Specific support needed
- Constraints affecting entities' capacities to address those challenges
- How entities are able to contribute to the Alliance
- Entities' core expertise and capabilities areas
